Back Pain and How to Prevent It

December 21, 2010 | Carla Staack

Do you have pain in your back? You’re not the only one. Statistics show that 8 out of every 10 people suffer from some sort of back pain[1] at some time in their life.

The causes of back pain[1] are varied, but some are very common – poor posture, poor body mechanics, a sedentary lifestyle, weight or trauma (i.e., car accidents, falls, etc.). Luckily, there are easy ways to minimize the possibility of back pain.

Good posture can go a long way toward reducing back pain[1]. Poor posture, and sitting for long periods, decreases natural curvature in the lower back and increases pressure on the spine. By incorporating good posture and body mechanics – such as bending at the knees instead of the waist to lift – into your everyday habits, you can decrease the risk of back pain.

Being overweight or living a sedentary life can also cause added stress to your spine. Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight will decrease your back pain.

Another major cause of back pain[1] is heavy weight on the back. Whether it’s a backpack, a golf bag or any other large item, any heavy weight on one side of your body for a long period of time will place uneven stress across your spine. This can affect your posture, changing your center of gravity and causing you to bend forward. Back pain could result, and you could be at greater risk for a fall.

There are a few simple steps to reduce your risk of back pain[1]. Sit up straight. Bend at the knees to lift. Get up, get out and stay active. By incorporating these simple changes into your lifestyle, you can kiss that pain in your back goodbye.